From the Archives

Published in the November 18, 2009, issue

Though Princeton didn’t win the World Universities ­Debating Championship (or “Worlds”) in January 1989, it didn’t stop these unidentified debate club members from uncorking some champagne to celebrate. Princeton hosted the event, which was attended by more than 100 teams and had an increased international presence. The University of Sydney (Australia) took the crown that year and the topic for debate was “socialism has failed” — a prescient choice in light of events in central and eastern Europe later in 1989. Can any PAW readers name these students?

David Daniels '89 Says:

2010-02-15 13:36:08

Princeton didn't win the '89 World Championship because, as the host school, it didn't compete in it. Those pictured here are not Princeton debaters, but rather are the four finalists. From left to right: Andrew Bell (Sydney), Justin MacGregor (Toronto), David Conklin (Toronto), and Warren Lee (Sydney). The actual topic of the final round was "Be it resolved: it profits a man nothing to gain the world and lose his soul." As one of the Canadian debaters (whom I recently tracked down) recalls: "That topic started as a philosophical debate but morphed into the failure of socialism as evidenced according to our Aussie friends that indeed, it did profit to gain the world. Capitalism and amorality were prospering we were told."